It’s Independence Day here in the U.S. — truly a day for the pool, barbecue, parades and fireworks. And, oh yeah, air conditioning — we’ve got an excessive heat warning beeping across the Weather Channel, and it feels like it’s about 105 out. Even the pup didn’t want to go outside to chase a squirrel.

In honor of the day, we’ve put out the flag….

We’ve cranked out some homemade ice cream….

We’ve grilled out the requisite hamburgers and hot dogs….

And we’ve gone out to see some fireworks (although a lot of fireworks displays in our area have been cancelled due to hot, dry conditions or storm damage from last weekend’s insane storms).